America’s Last Drive-in Movie Theatres

At their peak, in the late 1950s, there were almost 5000 drive-ins. Today, there are only 366 drive-ins operating in the United States. The outdoor theaters saw a dramatic decline in the 70s and 80s and many of their remains can still be found off highways, marked by rusting entrance marquees with kitschy typography. But in recent years it seems the power of nostalgia is breathing new life into the drive-in industry. It still remains an extremely fragile business and by no-means will rise again as the mass-market entertainment choice it was in the 1950s, but drive-ins are where thriftiness meets escapist entertainment — under the stars, ofcourse.

♦ CLOSED ♦: Macon Drive-Theatre, Missouri opened in 1952 and had a 300 car capacity. The screen was destroyed in a storm in 2004.

Discretion is a serious matter at the Apache drive-in and the screen is impossible to see from the road because of the height and density of the trees. With a dirt parking lot and disintegrating, dimly lit screen, the secluded spot lends to the seediness, but business must be good. It seems the ticket booth has recently been renovated, and what was once a concession stand is now home to an adult video and bookstore.

♦ OPEN ♦:The Family Drive-In Theatre in Stephen’s City, VA first opened in June 14, 1956. The first screening was “A Man called Peter” and the second, “Woman’s World”. It is the last drive-in left in Northern Virginia.

Drive-in movie theaters are certainly a perfect family outing. Don’t forget that you can also bring your own food to a drive-in. There’s a nice feeling of community here that you don’t get many places anymore.